Valentine

Question 1

Give a brief summary on Love

Answer 1

We are presented with an unusual extended metaphor (an onion) for love as she rejects traditional gifts. Duffy is expressing through this metaphor that love has many layers and levels, like an onion. It can make you upset as well as happy.

Question 2

State quotes based on Love

Answer 2

• “like the careful undressing of love” Imagery - image of peeling back layers of an onions represents gradually getting to know a partner as well as the literal meaning of undressing before being intimate
• “It promises light” Word Choice - “promises light” could suggest romantic moonlight, light gestures/touches, light heart promises.
• “like a lover” Simile - an onion is an appropriate gift as it can make someone cry just as a lover can.

Question 3

Give a brief summary on Hate

Answer 3

• Duffy through the use of the extended metaphor of the onion, demonstrates that love can sometimes turn into hate.

Question 4

State quotes based on Hate

Answer 4

• “possessive and faithful” Juxtaposition - 2 contrasting descriptions. ‘possessive’ has negative connotations of ‘property’, while ‘faithful’ has positive connotations.
• “Lethal.” One word statement, reminder love can be dangerous and violent.
• “knife” Love stays but the image of an onion lingering and the smell is unpleasant and to end with the word ‘knife’ is disturbing.

Question 5

Give a brief summary based on Isolation/Loneliness

Answer 5

Duffy is concerned to show us that love and relationships can also leave someone feeling isolated and lonely when they start to breakdown.

Question 6

State some quotes based on Isolation/Loneliness

Answer 6

• “it will blind you with tears” Well known ability of onions to make people cry, Duffy introduces a negative side of love.
• “it will make your reflection a wobbling photo of grief” metaphor - the persons reflection when your eyes are full of tears, love can cause distress.